R.P. Whelan Appeal – Down Royal – 9th September 2011

The Appeals Body (Division Two), Judge Tony Hunt (in the Chair), J.R. Craigie and Valerie Cooper met at the Turf Club, The Curragh, Co. Kildare on 27th September 2011 to consider an appeal from R.P. Whelan, apprentice jockey, against the severity of the ban imposed by the Stewards at Down Royal on 9th September 2011 when following the running of the Mimco Handicap he was suspended for two race days for careless riding.

Evidence was heard from R.P. Whelan who outlined the sequence of events which caused him to drift right in the latter stages of the race with the result that interference was caused by him.  A video of the race was also viewed.

The Appeals Body considered the evidence and having taken into account R.P. Whelan’s record dismissed the appeal.  As a result the suspension of two race days remains in place.  The new dates are 30th September and 2nd October 2011.

The case was presented by Conal Boyce, Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, Naas, Co. Kildare.